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February 12, 2010

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When Harold Ford Jr. appears on NBC's "Meet the Press" this Sunday, it'll be as chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council, according to a network release. On the show's website, he's listed as a "political insider."

But when he's more recently appeared on NBC and MSNBC programs — such as "Today," "Hardball" and "Morning Joe" — it was as an "NBC political analyst."

An MSNBC spokesperson tells POLITICO that Ford's deal "was put on hold" a few weeks ago, meaning that the network is not currently paying him. "We've still booked him in his capacity as a potential Senate candidate, and he's questioned as such," said the spokesperson.

With Ford no longer getting an NBC paycheck, the network avoids a glaring conflict of interest as he mulls a Senate race in New York. For instance, while on the "Today" show as an NBC analyst Jan. 11, the discussion of Sen. Harry Reid's controversial remarks later turned to Ford's own political positions as a Senate contender. So he's giving analysis of politics while potentially a participant.

Although Ford isn't getting paid right now, there may still be questions about his relationship with the network if he's regularly booked on its broadcast and cable shows, or if it appears he's getting preferential treatment in relationship to Sen. (and possible primary opponent) Kirsten Gillibrand.

Ford has also taken leave from his executive job at Merrill Lynch while weighing the decision.

UPDATE: A Ford spokesperson tells POLITICO: "Harold Ford asked for the leave of absence from NBC as a paid analyst while he weighs a run for the U.S Senate. Consistent with that, he also asked for an unpaid leave of absence from Bank of America/Merrill Lynch while he travels the state, listens to voters and weighs an opportunity to serve them in the Senate."

I am not a Ford supporter, but why is this only an issue at NBC? Fox employs Mike Huckabee and Sarah Palin, neither of whom has said they are not running for president in 2012. Once again, Fox sets its own rules, and everyone else in the media is afraid to challenge them. Sad.

I don't think they should have to quit if their candidacy is a joke like that of Matthews and Schultz . Gillibrand is such a joke Ford might have a chance . Maybe Ford can study to pass the bar with this free time .

Finally the left has a legitimate arguement and stance on an issue. Why is it that Huck and Palin are not called into question? The only thing I can think of is that Huck and Palin are viable candidates, while Schultz and Matthews aren't. Ford still has a shot. But I am proud of the left for finally presenting a sound question for debate.

To Dave Splash.
You are a stark reminder of how people need to use their teeny tiny heads before letting people know what they think.
NBC is doing this because Senate election is THIS November. Which means Ford's (if he runs) primary with Gillibrand is EVEN EARLIER. Its a preemptive move.
Fox doesn't have to worry about Palin and Huckabee when the election is over 2 years away and other than lay people, there is no indication that they're running. AND its TWO years away.
Following YOUR logic, anyone that has any political ambitions within the span of their life would be prohibited from appearing on television networks due to conflict of interest. Sound absurd to you know?
This is why it helps to think before you believe in what you're saying and post it on the internet.

Posted By: To Dave Splash.
You are a stark reminder of how people need to use their teeny tiny heads before | February 12, 2010 at 03:50 PM

To Dave Splash.
You are a stark reminder of how people need to use their teeny tiny heads before letting people know what they think.
NBC is doing this because Senate election is THIS November. Which means Ford's (if he runs) primary with Gillibrand is EVEN EARLIER. Its a preemptive move.
Fox doesn't have to worry about Palin and Huckabee when the election is over 2 years away and other than lay people, there is no indication that they're running. AND its TWO years away.
Following YOUR logic, anyone that has any political ambitions within the span of their life would be prohibited from appearing on television networks due to conflict of interest. Sound absurd to you know?
This is why it helps to think before you believe in what you're saying and post it on the internet.

I like seeing possible canidates on the air regularly, we get to see the real person. I can't imagine Chris Mathews or Ed Schultz being senators.... these men have so much bitter hate in their souls and they show it daily on their programs. Americans dodged those two bullets, thankfully.

To PeopleMustThinkFirst: Nice try wingnut. It's odd that I never saw Chris Matthews or Ed Schultz giving speeches at political conventions, campaigning for candidates, or having a PAC, yet your fellow nutters Huck and Palin did.
They are both running. Anyone with an IQ over 70 knows this. So, go ahead and keep supporting the right wing double standard you live by. Typical.

Lawson - your meal at the mental health hospital is getting cold dude. Are you serious? NBC is credible. Does anyone watch them anymore? Pushing their GE trying to bilk billions from the taxpayers ranting is real old.
Give it up Lawson - you must be using a different name Jeff Immelt.

Chuck - MSNBC definitely has standards and practices. Now if you wanna laugh look in the mirror and say Fox is fair and balanced.
Now that should leave you in stitches.
When an MSNBC/NBC host goes over the edge the network makes them apologize.
At FOX its a requirement for being hired.
Beck, Hannity, etc can say whatever the he77 they want to and FOX says nothing.
It's all about ratings.
Oh and Larry, you might want to catch up...Ford and Obama have no relationship. In fact the WH is backing Gilibrand, the sitting Jr. Senator from NY.
And SPANZ, how do you get Obama is forcing you to vote for Gilibrand. They hare simply supporting the Senator that YOUR governor chose. I wouldn't be urprised you right wingers blamed Obama for the bad weather. Amazing.

Now I think the Supreme Court is correct. Why should corporations like GE, Comcast, and NBC be entitled to lobby the public with their views, and other corporations not be so entitled? Obama and his billionaire Wall Streeters make me sick. I will never vote Democratic again as long as I live. I vote for the Generic Republican because Obama is a con artist. All that hope and nonsense and speeches were a bunch of garbage peddled to people who fell for his creepy lies.

well here we go again. if you follow he bouncing ball you will see that one election is months away. that means that anyone who may or may not run for office two or four or six years from now are not to be added to the equation. simple enough?

Moesha you are one slimy freak. You are a racist if you do not vote for a brother. I date whites and blacks and am married to a Filipino. Harold Ford can beat any dumb woman who should stay home and take care of her children.

New York needs to follow Massachusetts lead.
Dump the incumbent (Schumer’s lapdog) and forget about a carpetbagger looking for a job.
This state has capable people, though I understand the reluctance to run in this age of ultra-dirty politics.
New York’s Mr. Brown please step forward.

Posted By: New York needs to follow Massachusetts lead.
Dump the incumbent (Schumer’s lapdog) and forget about | February 12, 2010 at 06:56 PM

My political heroes, Robert F. Kennedy and Hillary Clinton, came to New York as "carpetbaggers", challenged a failing system, and made history on behalf of the New York public. All I'm saying is look into Harold Ford's record and where he stands, because he has an impressive resume compared to Kirsten Gillibrand. I live in Buffalo, and if Mr. Ford announces, it's guaranteed New York moderates and liberals will rally around him and his progressive ideals.

Mr. Ford looks like he has followed many of the DIM's and has not paid his taxes to the State or City of NY. Just found story in Memphis paper, that he has worked in the State since 2007 and has not filed!!!!
Oh that's right, he is a Democrat, they have not been paying their taxes, but want us to pay ours.
Ferv888

obama pushing gillibrand for NY-- there's a reason for this. she's privy to something heavy and she's a willing yes-person. with these terrorists trials coming up and obama's push to personally pick where trial to be held, its wise to follow this connection very closely.

I've been watching this guy since way back when Imus was on MSNBC and nearly got him elected in Tennessee. Never have I seen one person fool so many pundits as Harold Ford. This guy is the most phony politician on the planet, right next to John Edwards. I hope the good people of New York live up to their reputation for intelligence and throw this BUM out of their state.

Jobsker- MSNBC have standards?!? Give me a beark, if that was the case Ohlberman wouldn't be on the air. Charles Manson has more credibility than Ohlberman or Maddow(who I just saw a few seconds ago might be losing her show) at a victimes rights rally than these 2 nut jobs. To be fair. I think Glen BEck is a nutjob to on the right. I work in radio sales tv advertisement sales and can tell you this. Yoiu don't make your network dollar one you don't last and you get that by the people who put thier a@@ in chairs and watch your program. I don't always agree with FOX but they must be doing something right, they cream MSNBC and CNN in the ratings and that is what amtters the most.

I suspect if and when Palin and Huckabee file for an office they too would have to stop being Fox contributors...Ford has said and his actions prove he is considering a 2010 run for Senate right? different situation right now...and didn't NY elect the carpetbagger hillary?

Hey Mr. Perfect, what's wrong with Glen Beck? At least he reported on things nobody else would touch (because journalism is dead). If he's such a wing nut, how did he manage to bring down 3 admnistration officials?

Hey Mr. Perfect, what's wrong with Glen Beck? At least he reported on things nobody else would touch (because journalism is dead). If he's such a wing nut, how did he manage to bring down 3 admnistration officials?

Hey Mr. Perfect, what's wrong with Glen Beck? At least he reported on things nobody else would touch (because journalism is dead). If he's such a wing nut, how did he manage to bring down 3 admnistration officials?

Harold Ford was unable to be elected Senator in his home state of TN. I guess his neighbors know him too well. No problem, he decides to move to the most liberal state in the union and zero in on the relatively weak junior Senator. He merely confirms what a bottom feeding carpetbagger he really is. Individuals of his caliber are very likely to be rejected because of their
lack of character and penchant to make the wrong decisions.